Fishing

News Release

Fishing regulations to be relaxed at Spring Lake at Koser Spring Lake Park

Iowa DNR has relaxed the fishing regulations at Spring Lake in Koser Spring Lake Park in Cherokee County to allow anglers to more freely harvest fish.

August 11, 2026

Fishing

News Release

Iowa DNR monitors increased gizzard shad numbers across Iowa Great Lakes

Iowa DNR documented an increase in gizzard shad across the Iowa Great Lakes, including Spirit Lake and the Okoboji chain during shoreline seining efforts.

August 11, 2026

Fishing

News - Featured

News Release

Ready to catch catfish?

Catching catfish is a fun summer activity for the whole family. Invite someone new to fishing to come along to share the fun and memories.

July 28, 2026

A fisherman with his line cast and a hazy morning mist.

Fishing

Boating

News Release

Research buoys deployed in central Iowa reservoirs for joint ISU and DNR study

The Iowa DNR and Iowa State University are partnering to better understand oxygen and temperature dynamics in 20 central Iowa reservoirs.

July 14, 2026

Fishing

News Release

Iowa fisheries research biologist recognized as 2026 Fisheries Biologist of the Year

Iowa DNR Fish Research Biologist Alan Johnson received the Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA) Fisheries Biologist of the Year award.

July 7, 2026

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fish Culture Research Biologist, Alan Johnson (right) is awarded the Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA) Fisheries Biologist of the Year, by Iowa DNR’s Division Administrator Pete Hildreth

Fishing

News Release

Wapsie Valley teacher recognized for outstanding fishing program

Danny Adams, grades 7-12 physical education teacher in the Wapsie Valley School District, is the recipient of the 2026 Brass Bluegill award.

May 19, 2026

2026 Brass Bluegill Award winner Danny Adams

News - Featured

Fishing

News Release

Take the Tackle Along on all your summer outdoor adventures

It’s easy to add fishing to any outdoor outing this summer. Whether it’s a quick trip or a whole weekend, take the tackle along.

May 19, 2026

News - Featured

Fishing

Boating

News Release

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this holiday weekend

Iowa DNR reminds boaters and anglers to “Clean, Drain, Dry” their boats and equipment this Memorial Day to protect Iowa lakes and rivers from invasive species.

May 19, 2026

Fishing

News - Featured

News Release

Discover new fishing locations across Iowa with the enhanced DNR mobile-friendly fishing atlas

Enhanced Iowa DNR Fishing Atlas coming soon! Find nearby lakes, rivers, and trout streams easily with mobile-friendly design, search, and printable maps.

May 5, 2026

A mother smiles as she and her son, wearing a life jacket, look at the fish on the end of his line while standing a dock in a park.

Fishing

News Release

Fishing regulations relaxed at Lake LaVerne

AMES – Iowa DNR has relaxed the fishing regulations at Lake LaVerne to allow anglers to more freely harvest game fish before the lake is drained in late May.

April 29, 2026